no power going up inclines

[jim@nuggetrvpark.com]

I have a 1988 36v DS cart that struggles to climb even a slight incline. Acceleration is normal and speeds are fine on level ground. Last year it developed the "herky jerky" acceleration from a start so I replaced all five of the solenoids which corrected that problem immediately. It did have the low power problem at that time but nowhere near as pronounced as it is now.
Batteries and connections are OK, they are older trojans but they all read over 6 volts when disconnected and around 38 when hooked up. I have a small hand-held load tester and I load tested each battery while they were disconnected.
Here's my problem... This cart serial number is A8831 which from what I have learned so far is that it should have the V Glide switch which could be a suspect.... Nope, it has the electric speed switch which is found on 80-87 models. I have no idea what the history of this cart is but everything is stock.
I suspect the speed switch but having no experience with testing it I'm debating if I should throw more money into this old relic or start looking for a newer cart.
I have a fluke multimeter and I know how to use it if anyone has any information.
Thanks for any advice!

[Epb]

Have you taken the motor out and checked brushes and bearings?

[jim@nuggetrvpark.com]

No, but that looks like my next step.
Thanks

[93yellowclubcar]

Before you pull the motor, check the batteries (full pack voltage) under load while driving. Use tape or alligator clamps to affix meter leads to main + and - on the pack, report the voltage before starting, and under load voltage, and note recovery time. Your cart is the best load tester on the market.

The cart should have 4 noticeable "speeds." Solenoid click one is the master, should net no movement. Click two, first gear. Three, second gear. Four, third gear. Fifth and final click, fourth and top gear. If this is the case (you can drive it on flat ground or jack it up and look/listen to test) then there is no reason to mess with the speed slider and microswitches.

Hope this helps! I love these old 5 solenoid carts, dang near bulletproof and easy to troubleshoot most of the time.

[jim@nuggetrvpark.com]

Thanks, that's a great idea. I'll hook up the meter and take a drive this morning.

[jim@nuggetrvpark.com]

Nailed it! All batteries are weak, two dropping below 3.5 volts on the hill. Total recovered voltage was 30.1 after testing each battery separately. I never thought about load testing the batteries under actual driving conditions. My crappy little hand-held load tester had me thinking in other directions, but it makes sense that a tiny little load tester can't sufficiently load a golf cart battery.
Thanks! I'm off to buy six new batterie$$$......

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by jim@nuggetrvpark.com

Nailed it! All batteries are weak, two dropping below 3.5 volts on the hill. Total recovered voltage was 30.1 after testing each battery separately. I never thought about load testing the batteries under actual driving conditions. My crappy little hand-held load tester had me thinking in other directions, but it makes sense that a tiny little load tester can't sufficiently load a golf cart battery.
Thanks! I'm off to buy six new batterie$$$......

Stop - be aware batteries come in different sizes

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Stop - be aware batteries come in different sizes

Amp Hour rating is everything - get the highest amp hour rating you can afford.

In a 6v battery we recommend 220 ah
8v battery should hold 190 amp hours

[jim@nuggetrvpark.com]

Thanks. I have a company in Spokane that will sell the Trojan T105's for $95 each. Seems like a more than fair price and they're rated at 225 AH.

[Epb]

I have a small hand-held load tester and I load tested each battery while they were...

i had the impression you load tested the battteries per statement above. If batteries are weak then thats your problem!